Two people were stabbed at Pride Fort Lauderdale this weekend.
On Sunday afternoon around 6:30, two unidentified people were stabbed near the main stage at 700 Seabreeze Blvd. One victim suffered only superficial injuries, but a “trauma alert” was issued for the other. Though that victim was taken to the hospital, both are expected to survive, according to the Miami Herald.
While a cause for the attack is currently unknown, police suspect it wasn’t a premeditated act and more the result of an impulsive fight.
"We believe this was an isolated incident, which happened during an altercation near the main stage,” said Casey Liening, Public Information Specialist for the FLPD. “This was not an attack/active killer situation.”
"There is no indication this was a premeditated act of terrorism designed to cause harm or fear to the South Florida LGBTQ community. All indications are that this was a dispute between disagreeing parties," read a statement from Pride Fort Lauderdale. "At Pride Fort Lauderdale, we make the security and safety of our guests a priority. We are able to share that at all our events we require a police presence to protect our staff, volunteers, sponsors and guests."
Two suspects were also apprehended in relation to the stabbing and were processed at Broward County Jail, according to the NYDailyNews.
“We are incredibly grateful for the swift response by the officers on duty and their ability to prevent further injury,” the statement said. “Our staff has been instructed not to comment to media regarding this incident, in order not to impede or interfere with the criminal investigation.”
As for Pride Fort Lauderdale, the annual event was held this past weekend. Prior to the weekend, more than 120,000 people were expected to attend, according to WPLG.
Several events were scheduled such as the city’s first ever gay Pride Parade on Saturday. The parade had a Carnaval theme. In addition, there were events like a drag brunch, a bear beach bash, a pride block party, and the Sunday Pride Festival. The festival then ended around 8 p.m. with a fireworks display.
h/t: Miami Heald, NYDailyNews, WPLG
